Toyota offers its Highlander Hybrid for the buyer needing an SUV to carry people and stuff, but wanting better economy than the typical vehicle in that segment. The Hybrid does offer a significant improvement in economy over the base Highlander, but it comes at a price. The V6 Highlander Limited has an EPA rating of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway, while the Hybrid bests it with a rating of 28 mpg city & 28 highway. (The base Highlander is available with a 2.7 liter four cylinder, but in FWD only) The extra cost for the Hybrid option is just over $7,000 compared to the V6 Highlander Limited. ($45,005 vs $37,855 base price) The test vehicle had an MSRP of $48,729 including an $810 delivery processing and handling fee.
Realistically, it would take the better part of five years to pay for the difference in fuel savings, which makes the hybrid a tougher sell on just numbers alone, but there are other reasons to like the Highlander Hybrid. Its smooth and quiet ride is enhanced by a comfortable interior with top safety scores as a bonus. The NHTSA’s crash testing earned the Highlander Hybrid four stars for frontal crashes and five stars for side crashes. Rollover protection earned it four stars.
The Highlander Hybrid has a 3.5 liter V6 with three supplemental electric motors; one powers the rear wheels when traction or acceleration demands require. Total power output is 280hp, which is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Hybrid accelerates from 0-60 in the mid-7 second range which is quite quick, even by conventional crossover standards. It’s more impressive when considering the car’s 4,700lb+ curb weight. When properly equipped, the Hybrid can tow up to 3,500lbs. One trait of the hybrid power train does take a bit of getting used to - and that is the engine shutting down when the vehicle comes to a stop. It's a bit disconcerting at first; sitting at a stop light in silence. Releasing the brake pedal starts the car rolling on battery/electric power until the accelerator is pressed which starts the engine allowing the vehicle to accelerate smoothly. The transition from electric to engine power is impressively smooth and virtually silent. An "EV" mode allows electric-only power for low speeds over short distances.
The Highlander is available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive variants. The vehicle tested was the Hybrid AWD Limited version with the rear-seat DVDentertainment system (including wireless headphones - $1,760) and DVDnavigation with backup camera display, CD changer, XM satellite radio, MP3 jack, USBport, hands free phone/Bluetooth technology which added an additional $2,650. The standard safety equipment list is extensive, and includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, braking assist, advanced airbags for front seat occupants, side curtain airbags and tire pressure monitoring system amongst other features.
Upon climbing into the Highlander, you’re greeted by a comfortable and roomy cabin. Attractive materials and a well thought out design place controls within easy reach. The navigation system is fairly intuitive, and entering route information did not require much trial and error experimentation. The 40/20/40 rear passenger seating is very roomy and comfortable thanks to reclining seatbacks and a sliding seat adjuster. Of special note to families with small children, the 2nd row seats will accommodate rear-facing child seats without having to move the front seats forward – this will be appreciated by taller drivers. Separate controls for rear seat heating and ventilation are found on the back of the center console, which is a feature found on many upscale SUVs today. The rear seat entertainment system has a 9” flip-down screen with inputs for external video players or game consoles. Cargo space behind the rear seats is limited at 10.3 cubic feet, but folding down the 2nd and 3rd third row seats increases this to 94 cubic feet. The 3rd row seating is best left to small children as the legroom is somewhat limited.
On the road, the Hybrid offers a smooth ride with impressive quietness, even at highway speed. The suspension soaks up small ruts and uneven pavement, while the sound insulation does a very good job of damping road and wind noise. Normal driving maneuvers exhibit little body roll, and engine noise is only intrusive during full-throttle acceleration. The brakes, criticized in other reviews for their odd feel due to the regenerative braking system, are up to the task in slowing the near-2.5 ton vehicle without drama. The only apparent flaw would be the front seats, which offered little lateral support and didn’t seem up to the same level of fitment as the rest of the vehicle’s interior. That little niggle aside, it's hard to find much fault with the Highlander Hybrid. It does what it’s designed to do very well; move people and stuff comfortably while consuming less fuel than a comparable conventional crossover.
For more detailed model information, visit http://www.toyota.com/highlander/
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